Pittsburgh Steelers veteran defensive tackle Cameron Heyward chases down Derrick Henry from behind, proving his enduring impact and securing a new contract.
Cameron Heyward made many good plays last season, the Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle showing no signs of slowing down at 36.
One play stood out to his teammates.
One such moment came in the regular-season finale against the Baltimore Ravens, a winner-take-all game for the AFC North. The Ravens’ Derrick Henry broke loose for a 41-yard run, yet it was Heyward—remarkably—who chased him down from behind.
This display of hustle from a player of Heyward's age made a lasting impression on his teammates as the Steelers clinched their first division title since 2020.
"That just shows his resiliency and his want-to and will to come out here and work at his age,” Pittsburgh defensive tackle Keeanu Benton said. “I think he's still got some more in the tank. He's a heck of a player. That's why you see me (chasing players downfield) now. Seeing him, even in practice, it starts in practice with him turning and running. You see it on film. The young guys see it on film. You just see people start to change.”
Reflecting their confidence in Heyward's continued abilities, the Steelers signed him to a two-year, $32.25-million contract earlier this week. The deal restructures his 2026 salary and adds an extra year in 2027.
Pro Football Focus also thinks Heyward’s tank isn’t empty. The website graded Heyward at 90.7 last season, first among the 124 defensive interior linemen who played enough snaps to qualify for a grade.
Heyward was a second-team Associated Press All-Pro. The Professional Football Writers of America named him first-team All-AFC.
Heyward ranked fourth on the Steelers with 78 tackles (38 solo), adding nine tackles for loss, six passes defensed, 3½ sacks, and a forced fumble.
Heyward, the Steelers’ first-round draft pick in 2011, has played in 228 regular-season games over 15 seasons. This ranks him second in franchise history, behind only Ben Roethlisberger’s 251 appearances.
Heyward is second in franchise history with 92 sacks, trailing only T.J. Watt (115). Heyward has seven Pro Bowl selections and four All-Pro honors.
For his career, Heyward has 796 tackles, 477 solo stops, 139 tackles for loss, 64 passes defensed, nine forced fumbles, and two interceptions.
Steeler Roundtable also offers a fan community and message board. We’d love to have you join us to talk all things Steelers. Click the “Join” button at the top of the page to join our community for free.